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IT consultant salary guide: what to expect


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IT consultant salaries: Quick summary

  • IT consultant salaries in the UK typically range from £28,000 for junior roles to over £55,000 for senior consultants, with higher earning potential in London and specialised roles.
  • Sector, experience level, and specialist expertise, such as artificial intelligence or cyber security, can significantly influence salary.
  • Many consultants choose to work freelance, charging hourly, daily, or project-based rates depending on their expertise and client demand.
  • Certifications, networking, and a strong portfolio can help increase earning potential and career progression.
  • Building advanced technical expertise through hands-on industry experience combined with postgraduate study, such as an MSc in Computer Science, offers an effective way to boost your earning potential.

IT consultancy: a highly sought-after skill set

IT consultants work with businesses to identify technology-related problems. However, their roles go beyond simply fixing computers.

They also provide strategic support that aligns with the business's unique objectives, ensuring companies invest in and implement the right hardware and software to solve these issues. That's why IT consultants, particularly those who earn sizeable salaries, possess highly specialised and qualified skill sets.

An MSc Computer Science degree is one of the best routes to developing this skill set, providing the advanced skills and knowledge the job requires. But if you're considering this degree and career path, you may be wondering exactly how much you could earn as a result.

The salary of an IT consultant is based on several factors, which we'll explore in this guide. We'll explore how IT consultant salaries are affected by various sectors and qualifications, as well as guide you toward the right path for becoming an IT consultant.

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Understanding IT consultant salaries

While IT consultancy is a great career path, salaries often vary based on everything from experience level to location. Considering these factors as you pursue an IT consultant career can significantly boost your earning potential beyond the average entry-level salary.

  • IT consultant salaries by experience level

    Your experience level can dictate your pay rate. Just look at the difference between entry-level and higher-level average salaries*:

    • Junior Consultant: £28,973 (£30,778 in London)

    • Senior Consultant: £55,526 (£86,348 in London)

    So, if you choose this line of work, you'll have strong potential to increase your pay over time, as you build up your experience and client base. However, your level of expertise is not the only factor to consider. 

    *Salaries listed from uk.indeed.com/career and accurate as of August 2026.

  • IT consultant salaries by sector

    The industry you decide to cater to can have a big impact on your daily rates. For example, a healthcare IT consultant's salary in the UK averages around £37,631 per year, ranging from £25,028 to £60,014. If you picked this sector, your role would be to optimise the patient care system through technologies like electronic health record (EHR) systems and cloud infrastructures. This helps hospitals and clinics boost operational efficiency, while ensuring high-quality care and great patient outcomes.

    Compare this to a business IT consultant salary, where the average is £47,545 per year, with a range of £33,949 to £67,608. Your role would involve ensuring business objectives are met. It's another sector with a great demand for consultation work. Picking it would likely provide a higher starting salary and potential for progression.

  • IT consultant salaries and specific areas of expertise

    You could decide to train in popular aspects of IT, such as artificial intelligence (AI) or cyber security. With an increasing demand for AI to be integrated into daily business operations, IT consultants who specialise in this may have the chance to earn higher salaries. They bridge the gap between software engineers who build AI models and businesses looking to implement them, offering the necessary technical skills for success.

    It's a good idea to stay familiar with the latest IT trends, such as the development of new hardware or software. See this as a useful opportunity to fill any gaps in your knowledge to keep your skills up to date.

  • IT consultant salaries by company size

    Working for major consultancy firms with a large client list could mean your salary is higher compared to smaller companies or internal teams. However, boutique organisations might be smaller but still offer a very specialised service and, therefore, come with premium rates.

  • IT consultant salaries by location

    • Junior Consultant: £28,973 (£30,778 in London)

    • Senior Consultant: £55,526 (£86,348 in London)

    In London, the average salary for a Senior IT consultant is around £86,348 per year, but as we've shown above, the UK average is £55,526 per year.

    Typically, an IT consultant's salary in London offers higher pay. However, your specific role and seniority (entry-level compared with senior consultant, for instance) have a bigger influence on salary than location.

Freelance IT consultant jobs and pay

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If you choose self-employment, you typically won't get a fixed salary and instead will charge your clients a fee based on either:

  • Hourly rate
  • Daily rate
  • Per project

Your total annual income will depend on how many high-quality clients you generate and the amount of work you complete for each. If you choose to work longer hours or charge a higher rate, your IT services can rise in value.

Benefits of freelancing

  • You're your own boss
  • The ability to choose your own rates
  • Flexibility when it comes to clients and scheduling
  • A diverse array of project options
  • The chance to build your portfolio
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Challenges of freelancing

  • There's no guaranteed work, so your income could be irregular
  • You won't get employee benefits like pension contributions, holiday pay, or sick leave
  • You're responsible for documentation such as tax returns, insurance, and contracts
  • You'll need sales skills in order to market yourself

How to get into IT consulting as a freelancer

  • 1. Pick a speciality area

    Decide which speciality areas of IT you want to focus on, such as computer science, IT infrastructure, or data science. As you develop expertise on your chosen topic through education and training, you'll be able to recognise which services you can offer clients.

  • 2. Build experience

    Build solid experience so that you have evidence of your abilities. Freelancers often benefit from 2 to 5 years of relevant IT support. Document your jobs and projects and successful outcomes, so you can showcase them later. This does not need to be high-level work.

    Doing small projects for start-ups, non-projects, or friends will be enough at this stage. You could also start an internship or partnership with a recruitment agency. Working part-time is a good way to develop your abilities early on.

  • 3. Set up your business

    When you're ready, set up your freelance business by registering as self-employed or setting up a limited company. Make sure that your insurance and taxes are both in order. You can then create basic contacts and proposals to boost your brand.

  • 4. Consider your rates

    Carefully consider your rates by researching the current standard. Your fees need to cover all of your expenses.

  • 5. Get an online presence

    Build your online presence by creating a professional LinkedIn profile and getting listed on popular freelancing sites. Create a portfolio that shows your range of skills, with testimonials and contact information.

  • 6. Find your clients

    Begin networking and finding clients. This can be the hardest step, but stick with it, and you'll grow as a self-made business. Consultants working freelance should not be afraid of seeking advice to help enhance their brand and implement their business objectives.

Career pathways in IT consulting

There is a diverse range of options when it comes to consulting. You could choose to focus on an area such as artificial intelligence, cyber security or data analytics. You might instead decide to look at tech entrepreneurship or freelance consultation.

Starting in an entry-level position and progressing to a senior role over time is one common pathway. However, possessing the necessary transferable skills, such as analytical thinking and adaptability, is the most important factor, regardless of where you begin your consulting career. The steps to get into IT consulting can include:

  • award-ribbon-start

    Earning the right qualification

  • business-deal-handshake

    Gaining work experience

  • target-center

    Choosing a speciality

How long does it take to become an IT consultant?

If you're moving into IT consulting from a totally different sector, you can expect to spend three to five years training and getting evidence of your experience.

For training, you could start with professional qualifications or a bachelor's degree in an IT-relevant subject, before moving on to postgraduate study, such as through a flexible online master's in Computer Science.

However, if you don't have a relevant Bachelor's degree, Walbrook's MSc in Computer Science is a great option. As a conversion course, this programme helps you enter the IT field with any UK honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) and can be completed in just 14 months.

Then, you'd finish with hands-on work experience. If you've built up a good amount of transferable skills, you can climb the ladder faster.

Is a career in IT consulting worth it?

Becoming an IT management consultant will give you a flexible career path and (as seen in the Understanding IT consultant salaries section) a good return on investment for your education and training. You'll have strong prospects, with the ability to move into a speciality that most appeals to you. Over time, you may move on to a strategic guidance or managerial position.

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Demand for advisory and consulting services in tech is expected to grow steadily in the future as practically every sector relies on IT. If you're able to communicate your expertise with a great portfolio and presentation skills, you can thrive in this line of work.

It's important to note that many modern job profiles advertising IT consultancy positions emphasise both technical computing knowledge and awareness of business practices. If you invest in learning about both of these topics, you'll be much more employable. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a specialist MBA in Data Analytics are good additional qualifications that can help you stand out.

Investing in your future

The more you put into both your initial training and ongoing learning, the more senior your position can be. After your base qualifications, it will usually take a few years of work experience before you can move on to the next salary tier, with further learning opportunities helping you develop even more advanced skills and strategic insights.

The more senior positions can take close to ten years. If you invest in incremental qualifications throughout this time, you can easily pay them off as your salary grows. The salary ceiling is high in this line of work, so your continuous self-improvements can have serious monetary benefits.

How to increase an IT consultant's salary

An IT consultant's salary in the UK can vary greatly and depend on a number of factors, such as your position, the firm you work for, and whether or not you're a freelance entity. Another crucial factor is being able to sell your abilities well to your client or employer. The aim is to add value to the work you do and, as a result, boost your income.

  • Gain in-demand certifications

    Alongside studying an IT-related degree, gaining a certification can really set you apart, especially if you work in a specialised area. They serve as proof of your technical expertise and commitment to personal growth. If the client demands the best practices and current standards, then certification can set you apart. Depending on your area of focus, some of the best ones to consider include:

    • Cloud & DevOps: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Professional
    • Cyber Security: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CISM
    • Project Management: PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum certifications
    • Networking & Infrastructure: Cisco CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Network+
    • Business & Analysis: ITIL, TOGAF, Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP)

    You can also pursue short courses, boot camps, and further study programmes to fill any gaps in your knowledge. Employers tend to value consultants who are proactive when it comes to their education. Some may even fund further training as part of your professional development.

  • Build up your network of contacts and clients

    Networking is important for job hunting and gaining a reputation within the IT industry. You can use online tech communities to connect with others and grow your circle of clients and business partners. This may lead to learning about higher-paying opportunities.

    For freelancers, a client base will be extremely important. The more positive experiences you have with customers, the more likely they will be to return or recommend you to others. So endeavour to provide an excellent service, with clear communication.

  • Become a master at salary or rate negotiation

    Negotiating your salary is not just important for new jobs. It's an ongoing skill that you'll need throughout your career. It's a good idea to constantly research current salary benchmarks within your industry, and specifically your current role. These will be easy to find on job salary sites.

    If you're being undervalued by your employer, prepare a strong case that highlights your achievements and credentials. Keep records of your positive client outcomes as evidence of your competencies. If you've delivered any cost-saving initiatives, these are also worth bringing up to your employer. During the negotiation, be confident and professional, clearly explaining how your contributions have impacted the business's success.

    However, if you're freelance, you can simply adjust your rates as your experience grows. Be prepared with evidence of your abilities if a potential client asks you to justify these rates. It may be tempting to underprice yourself in order to increase clients, but this can devalue your work in the long term and limit your earning potential.

  • Get a master's in computer science

    The deeper your expertise is, the more equipped you'll be to advance to higher-paying niches. If you're seen as an expert in emerging tech, you'll be able to position yourself as a specialist, which will come with premium services and higher salaries. You can learn both the basics and advanced topics of IT by completing a master's degree in computer science.

Why Choose Walbrook?

At Walbrook, we offer a variety of specialist computer science courses that equip you with the skills and specialised knowledge to achieve the high earning potential of an IT consultant:

These flexible online master's programmes put you in control of how and when you study, allowing you to gain relevant computer science and specialist skills either full or part-time. Our career-focused curriculum and student support service also mean you'll be ready to take your next step into a high-paying IT consultancy career with confidence.

Explore MSc Computer Science today

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